Proven Center Paul Stastny Not Interested In Proving Himself Again

Amidst earlier retirement speculations, Veteran NHL center Paul Stastny is actively seeking a guaranteed contract for the 2023-24 season.

At 37, Stastny wants a definitive contract, refusing to use a PTO to prove his worth, as mentioned by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.

After signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022, he played in a bottom-six position, achieving 22 points in 73 games. However, his on-ice time has reduced, hinting at a potential decline in his capabilities. Given the tight salary cap, teams are cautious about bringing Stastny onboard, even for salaries near the league's minimum. His offensive output has seen a gradual decrease since the 2015-16 season, but he remains defensively solid.

If Stastny continues to reject PTOs, he might wait for a team facing injuries to sign him. As the next training camp looms, Stastny, with over 1,145 regular-season games under his belt, still holds onto his Stanley Cup dream, confident of his continued relevance in the league.